Going Out

At Xun Er's request, Xiao Yan agreed without a second thought.

"Yeah, it's been a long time since we went out for a stroll together."

Xiao Yan let out a soft sigh before saying, "All right, then tomorrow we'll have a proper look around Wutan City!"

"Mm."

That was precisely what Xiao Xun Er had been waiting to hear. As soon as he finished speaking, the girl nodded lightly and took half a step back.

"Then Xun Er will wait for good news from Brother Xiao Yan tomorrow~~~"

It was as though she had never been the Xiao Family's genius young lady, and the boy before her had never been worthless.

Their relationship was just as it had always been.

Watching Xun Er's lovely figure vanish into the night, an unconscious smile appeared on Xiao Yan's face as well.

The next day, when the sun was already high in the sky, Xiao Yan changed into another set of clothes and was just about to look for Xun Er.

Who knew that a familiar knock had already sounded outside his door?

"Is Brother Xiao Yan ready?"

Xiao Yan opened the door, and the visitor was naturally Xun Er.

"You little girl, why did you come over by yourself?"

Xiao Yan resisted the urge to pinch Xun Er's cheeks, though a smile still unconsciously spread across his face.

"Isn't it because Brother Xiao Yan was too slow and made Xun Er wait so long... Xun Er didn't even sleep well last night because of today."

Xiao Xun Er pouted her adorable pink lips, a trace of reproach in her beautiful eyes.

"Mm—then let's go."

Xiao Yan nodded, then left the house with Xun Er.

Along the Xiao Family's paths, Xiao Xun Er and Xiao Yan walked side by side, chatting and laughing, drawing many curious glances.

The Xiao Family's genius young lady was walking together with that fallen waste? It was somewhat startling.

Still, it only earned them a few side glances. No one was in a position to say anything.

After all, whether genius or waste, both were figures rather far removed from them.

Only when Xiao Yan passed the small courtyard of guest rooms did he slow slightly and subconsciously glance at the little courtyard he had visited who knew how many times.

"Brother Xiao Yan, what's wrong?"

Seeing this, Xiao Xun Er gently took Xiao Yan's slender fingertips and asked softly.

Feeling the softness and warmth of Xun Er's fingertips, Xiao Yan finally came back to himself and gently shook his head.

"It's nothing. Let's go."

With that, Xiao Yan took the initiative to hold Xun Er's hand and walked out of the Xiao Family estate.

Feeling that large hand, warmer than her own fingertips, firmly clasping hers, a faint ripple rose in Xiao Xun Er's heart. The thoughts from moments ago gradually settled.

"Mm."

Perhaps pleased by Brother Xiao Yan's choice, a faint smile appeared on Xun Er's face.

Xiao Yan could only cast aside that momentary hesitation.

...Come to think of it.

Even if he invited Miss Wan, she might not be willing to come out. Besides, he was spending money she had lent him on this trip. How could Xiao Yan have the nerve to ask her again?

Hidden inside Xiao Yan's ring, Old Yao could only shake his head helplessly.

...Brat, you're as dense as a block of wood. You'll suffer for it someday.

Inside the guest room, Yao Wan had cultivated through the entire night before slowly opening her eyes.

Xiao Yan's aura had left the Xiao Family. Had he gone to buy medicinal ingredients?

Yao Wan understood at once, but her delicate brows could not help furrowing slightly. Wait, why was Xiao Xun Er with him too...?

After spacing out briefly and realizing what was going on, Yao Wan sighed.

Forget it. Let them be. What did it have to do with her if that young couple wanted to go out for a walk?

She grumbled to herself that Xiao Yan had taken her money and immediately gone off to have fun with his Xun'er—he would pay for this later—

Still, since Xiao Yan's talent had recovered, although it was half a year earlier than expected, it was probably about time.

Should she prepare a little more for that fellow...?

In the guest room occupied only by Yao Wan, the bright sunlight of the following day filtered through the shadows of the trees outside, scattering flecks of Golden Light across the clean and tidy room. It was a beautiful sight.

Although Wutan City was merely a remote little place in Yao Wan's eyes, it was already a highly prosperous and bustling city within the Jia Ma Empire.

The streets were packed with people, bustling and lively.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun Er walked down the streets, looking around as they went.

Since Xiao Yan was in no hurry to buy the medicinal ingredients he needed, he accompanied Xun Er as they wandered about. He did not particularly want to buy anything; he simply wanted to spend more time with the girl he had shut out for so long.

And wasn't Xiao Xun Er thinking the same thing? Thus, the two of them simply chatted and laughed as they strolled along.

Only after reaching the pharmacy did they purchase the medicinal ingredients Old Yao required.

"Oh, right, Xun Er, this is for you."

Xiao Yan spoke mysteriously, then opened his fingers. An exquisite pendant slipped down from them.

"It's so pretty. Is Brother Xiao Yan giving it to Xun Er?"

"What, was I supposed to sell it to you? Come, I'll put it on for you."

As he spoke, Xiao Yan undid the clasp on the necklace, while Xiao Xun Er silently leaned forward and offered him her snowy neck.

"It's on... It looks beautiful."

"As long as Brother Xiao Yan likes it, that's all that matters."

Xiao Xun Er's beautiful eyes curved into lovely crescents. She did not care about the item's value at all. So long as it was a gift from Brother Xiao Yan, she could not have liked it more.

"Haha, could it be that the dignified Third Young Master of the Xiao Family can only give such shabby things?"

Yet sometimes, someone would always appear to ruin the mood just when things were going well.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun Er subconsciously turned their heads and saw the fellow who had come to spoil the moment.

"You really do turn up everywhere to spoil the mood."

A trace of displeasure appeared in Xiao Yan's eyes.

The young master of the Jia Lie Family, Wutan City's other great clan, ignored Xiao Yan and instead smiled at Xiao Xun Er.

"Miss Xun Er, it has been a long time."

But Xun Er had no intention of acknowledging him at all and simply turned to leave.

"Miss Xun Er!"

Jia Lie Ao, who usually relied on his family's influence and whose talent and looks were considered quite decent as he flitted among the flowers of Wutan City, lost his composure and hurriedly stepped forward to block Xun Er's path.

"If Miss Xun Er likes jewelry, why wear such shabby trinkets that are beneath you?"

But the moment Xiao Yan spoke, he interrupted Jia Lie Ao's next move.

"There's a saying: the gift may be small, but the sentiment is weighty. There's also another: when the weasel pays respects to the chicken, it means no good."

"Young Master Jia Lie Ao's 'fine reputation' is known throughout Wutan City. Xun Er and I won't keep you company any longer."

"Xun Er, remember this well. Stay away from people like this in the future."

Xiao Yan made no effort to lower his voice for that final sentence, and quite a few people on the street heard it clearly.